Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2004 record →
JUST BOUGHT A 2004 EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION WITH 105,000 MILES ON IT AS SOON AS I GOT HOME THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP. IT LUNGES HARD WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH FORD. THEY REFUSE TO DO A RECALL. I'M SURE SOMEONE WILL HAVE TO DIE BEFORE ITS DEALT WITH. I PRAY IT'S NOT YOU OR YOURS. *TR
I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK ON A TUESDAY MORNING WITH MY SON WHO IS A COLLEGE STUDENT AT MY SCHOOL ON AUGUST 20, 2013. I WORK AT A COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND IT WAS THE FIRST WEEK OF THE FALL SEMESTER 2013 STARTING. I ARRIVED ABOUT 10:15 A.M. AND COULD NOT FIND PARKING. I FOUND A PARKING STALL IN THE STAFF PARKING LOT. I PUT THE FORD EXPLORER IN REVERSE AND WAS GOING BACKWARDS TO PARK IN THE STALL. WHEN I MOVED THE SHIFT GEAR HANDLE TO PUT THE TRUCK INTO DRIVE INTO THE PARKING STALL, THE GEAR SHIFT WAS JUST BROKE OFF. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT! I HAD TO ACT QUICKLY AND HIT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND TURN THE IGNITION OFF FROM THE CAR TO MAKE IT STOP. I WAS REALLY SCARED! LUCKILY, I DROPPED OFF MY SON SO HE CAN GO TO HIS FIRST CLASS. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO BANNING, CALIFORNIA AND HAVE MY MECHANIC FIX IT. STILL TO THIS DAY, FORD CANNOT PROVIDE A PART TO FIX THE STEERING COLUMN SHIFT LEVEL. FORD SAYS ITS ON BACKORDER, NO ONE HAS THE PART. THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN I WILL HAVE THE PART TO FIX MY TRUCK. I NEED HELP, I HOPE YOU CAN ISSUE A RECALL ON ALL 2004 FORD EXPLORERS WITH GEAR SHIFT LEVEL BREAKING OFF. VERY UPSET NEED YOUR HELP TO GET MY TRUCK FIXED. THIS MATTER HAS MADE ME SICK WITH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND WOULD APPRECIATE SOMEONE TO INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER RIGHT AWAY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP UNTIL AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO APPLY THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES AND OPERATED NORMALLY FOR FIVE MILES. THE VEHICLE THEN ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, REACHING SPEEDS OF UP TO 65 MPH BEFORE THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
ON THE BODY THE TAILGATE PANEL KEEPS CRACKING THIS MAKES MY TRUCK LOOK BAD COMPARED TO THE MONEY I PUT INTO IT. MY ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION ACTS AS IF SOMETHING IS WRONG IT IS NOT SHIFTING GEAR RIGHT. ON THE ELECTRICAL TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND IT ALSO KEEPS LEAKING WATER FROM SOMEWHERE. FORD NEEDS TO GO OUT OF BUSINESS FOR SELLING THESE PIECES OF JUNK. IT MAKES NO SENSE. *TT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM ENGAGED AUTOMATICALLY WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
REAR LIFT GATE HINGES CRACKING AT PIN CAUSING REAR GATE GLASS TO SHIFT DOWN AND TAILGATE NOT TO LATCH CORRECTLY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT GEARS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
2000-2005 EXPLORERS HAVE A RATE OF 1 OUT OF 10 HAVING TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I WANT TO KNOW WHY THERE IS NOT A RECALL OR A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT FOR THIS VEHICLES TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND FAILURES. I WOULD LIKE ANY INFORMATION POSSIBLE TO FURTHER THIS. THERE WAS MENTION ON FORD COMPLAINTS AND FAILURES WEBSITE FOR OUT OF WARRANTY EXPLORERS A "GOODWILL REPAIR"? I CONTACTED THE FORD COMPANY AND SAID MY VEHICLE DID NOT FIT THE CRITERIA. YET WHEN I ASKED FOR THE GUIDELINES TO BE SENT OR EMAILED TO ME, I WAS TOLD THIS WAS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND WAS TOLD NOTHING COULD BE DONE...I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE WITH MY DAUGHTERS DISABILITY MONEY SO THAT SHE WOULD HAVE A SAFE RIDE TO DR'S ETC. A LITTLE OVER A YEAR LATER THE GEARS WENT TOTALLY OUT WHILE DRIVING. ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE TOOK 4 HOURS UP UNTIL 4AM. LENGTHY WAIT FOR ANYONE LET ALONE A DISABLED CHILD. NOW MY DAUGHTER AND I AS A SINGLE MOTHER CAN NOT AFFORD ANOTHER VEHICLE. OR THE REPAIRS FOR FORDS MISTAKES. FORD REALLY NEEDS TO ACKNOWLEDGED THEIR MISTAKES AND FIX THEM ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS OR SOMEONE NEEDS TO PUT THEIR FOOT UP THEIR TAILPIPE AND SUE THE COMPANY. ANY HELP SUGGESTIONS OR OTHER WAYS TO DEAL WITH THIS MATTER WOULD BE GRATEFULLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU ..[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING SOME UNRELATED REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND WHEN IT DID, THE VEHICLE COULD ONLY BE OPERATED IN THIRD GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND MAKES A GRINDING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN BACK UP TURNING THE WHEEL IT JERKS AND MAKES A BANGING NOISE. GARAGE SAID IT BE $3500 TO FIX IT. IT SEEMS LIKE TONS OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SUV ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY SURGE AND WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL GRINDING SOUND. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FLY WHEEL WAS SPINNING BECAUSE THE TORQUE CONVERTER HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 129,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS SYSTEM WOULD INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE BRAKES TO SEIZE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY 180 DEGREES TO THE SIDE BEFORE STOPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE BRAKE HYDRO LOCK SYSTEM. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ABS ELECTRONIC UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,902.
I OPENED THE LIFT GATE WINDOW TO LOAD GROCERIES WHEN THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDOW SUDDENLY LET GO UP NEAR THE HINGE. THIS CAUSED THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDOW TO DROP AND THEN THE LEFT HINGE BROKE, CAUSING THE ENTIRE REAR WINDOW TO DROP. I WAS ABLE TO CATCH IT SO IT DIDN'T BREAK AND EVENTUALLY RELEASE THE SUPPORT STRUTS SO I COULD GET IT INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. IT APPEARS THAT THE FASTENER NEAR THE HINGE WAS CORRODED THROUGH AND WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN THE WINDOW THE WEIGHT WAS FINALLY TOO MUCH FOR IT SO IT SNAPPED, RELEASING THE WINDOW ON THAT SIDE. FORTUNATELY THIS FASTENER FAILED IN A PARKING LOT AND NOT ON A FREEWAY OR THE WHOLE REAR WINDOW MAY HAVE COME OFF AND POSED A DANGER TO THE CARS BEHIND. FORD HAS ALREADY ISSUED A RECALL FOR 2002 AND 2003 MODELS WHICH USED THE SAME HINGE ASSEMBLY, DON'T KNOW WHY 2004 WAS NOT INCLUDED. *TR
ON MAY 31ST OF 2013 AT APPROX. 4PM, AFTER REMOVING SOME ITEMS FROM THE BACK OF MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER VIA THE WINDOW HATCH, I PROCEEDED TO SHUT THE WINDOW AND I HEARD A SNAP FOLLOWED BY THE RIGHT SIDE (AS I AM FACING THE VEHICLE)OF THE WINDOW FALL. I WAS ABLE TO CATCH THE WINDOW AND BEGAN TO TRY AND LINE THE WINDOW BACK UP AND CLOSE IT BY SECURING IT TO THE LOCKING MECHANISM AT THE BASE. NOTICING ME STRUGGLE WITH THE WINDOW A GENTLEMAN CAME OVER AND BEGAN TRYING TO HELP ME, ONLY TO FIND THAT THE WINDOW WOULD NOT BUDGE DUE TO THE RIGHT SIDE (AS I AM FACING THE VEHICLE) SHOCK/SUPPORT/STRUT BEING FROZE. WE COULD NOT GET THE SHOCK TO RETRACT WHICH PREVENTED THE WINDOW FROM CLOSING. WHILE I CONTINUED TO HOLD THE WINDOW UP THE GENTLEMAN WENT TO GET HIS TOOLS TO REMOVE THE SHOCK/SUPPORT/STRUT. WITH THE SHOCK/ SUPPORT/ STRUT REMOVED WE COULD THEN ALIGN THE WINDOW AND CLOSE IT BY LOCKING IT INTO THE LOCKING MECHANISM AT THE BASE. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT DUE TO THE SOCK/SUPPORT/STRUT ON THE RIGHT SIDE FREEZING UP, IT PREVENTED THE WINDOW HATCH FROM CLOSING PROPERLY WHICH IN TURN CAUSED THE RIGHT SIDE HINGE TO SNAP UNDER THE PRESSURE. I HAVE NOT OPENED THE REAR WINDOW HATCH SINCE AND WILL BE CONTACTING FORD AS TO WHAT THEIR COURSE OF ACTION WILL BE FOR SUCH A FAILURE. ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THIS ISSUE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE PLASTIC THAT COVERED THE LICENSE PLATE AREA ON THE HATCH BECAME FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, WHEN THE HATCH WAS OPENED, THE CONTACT AND TWO CHILDREN SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE HANDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK. UPON INSPECTION, THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE LUG NUTS HAD LOOSENED AND THE TIRE WAS ONLY BEING HELD IN PLACE BY ONE LUG NUT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BUT IN THIS OCCASION THE TIRE DETACHED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THIRD GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION, STUDS, LOG NUTS, ROTORS, AND TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORIZONTAL PANEL UNDER THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,000. *TR
THE RIGHT HINGE ON THE REAR WINDOW LIFT GATE IS CORRODED AND AS A RESULT IS HALF BROKEN OFF. THE WINDOW RATTLES DUE TO IT BEING LOOSE. THE LEFT HINGE IS NOW STARTING TO DO THE EXACT SAME THING. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN I TURN THE VEHICLE ON AND THE MESSAGE CENTER WILL INDICATE 'REAR LIFTGATE AJAR' AND IT IS THE WINDOW HATCH THAT IS AJAR. I FEEL THIS ISSUE W/THE HINGE WILL AJAR FROM THE LATCH. I CALLED A LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THIS WAS A RECALL AND HE STATED NOT ON MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE AFTER GIVING HIM MY VIN. I FEEL THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. I REFRAIN USE OF THE WINDOW IN THE FEAR IT WILL FALL ON ME. NOW MY FEAR IS THE WINDOW WILL FALL COMPLETELY OFF WHILE DRIVING.
WHILE WAS DRIVING ON I-95 I GAVE THE CAR A BOOST OF SPEED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE. I NOTICED MY BACK WINDOW BECOME "DIRTY" (COVERED IN COOLANT) AND WHILE THE CAR SEEMED OKAY I MOVED TO THE RIGHT LANE. THERE WAS NO SHOULDER TO PULL OFF DUE TO CONSTRUCTION. WITHOUT A SHOULDER I HAD TO KEEP GOING ANOTHER COUPLE MILES; AFTER A COUPLE MILES I STARTED LOOSING SPEED GRADUALLY. WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE - I WAS FORTUNATE TO MAKE IT TO AN EXIT WHERE UPON IMMEDIATELY THE CAR DIED AS I SLOWED AND WHITE SMOKE STARTED BILLOWING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE PROBLEM WAS THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING FAILED CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE COOLANT. SINCE I WAS UNABLE TO PULL OVER IT RESULTED A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. DUE TO DESIGN OF THE ENGINE THIS REPAIR IS PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE. I HAVE SEEN THIS THERMOSTAT COMPLAINT NUMEROUS TIMES AND IT IS TIME THAT FORD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PLASTIC PARTS THAT ARE CONNECTED TO THE ENGINE. THIS PART SHOULD BE ALUMINUM ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC. PLEASE CONSIDER RECALL TO REPLACE PLASTIC THERMOSTAT HOUSING WITH METAL: FORD MUST USE METAL PARTS BECAUSE PLASTIC WARPS IN THE HEAT. THE AFFECTED PARTS ARE THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING AND IT'S CONNECTION TO THE ENGINE. I HAVE GOOD MAINTENANCE, OIL CHANGED REGULARLY, FLUIDS CHECKED AND MAINTAINED REGULARLY. I ALSO DRIVE VERY CONSERVATIVELY AND AM EASY ON MY DRIVING. FORD MUST FIX THIS! BETWEEN THIS ISSUE AND A BOLT IN MY STEERING COLUMN FALLING OUT (CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING) MY CONFIDENCE IN FORD IS DI
WHEN OPENING THE REAR HATCH WINDOW, THERE WAS A FAILURE IN THE PIN IN THE HINGE CAUSING THE WINDOW TO FALL. THE WINDOW WAS NOT BROKEN HOWEVER A REPAIR HAD TO BE MADE BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVABLE DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF THE GLASS FALLING. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE SUN VISOR BECAME DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 154,000. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORIZONTAL PANEL UNDER THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000. *TR
MY DAUGHTER WEIGHS 99 LBS SHE OPENED HATCH AT GAS STATION AND THE WINDOW PORTION OF THE ENTIRE HATCHBACK FELL OFF ALSO THERE IS A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC DOWN THE HATCH WHICH I SEE ON EVERY OLD EXPLORER. *TR
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AS USED ON 4-19-13 AND HAD NOTICED THE CRACK TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD EMBLEM. UPON CLOSER LOOK TODAY THERE IS A SECOND CRACK ABOUT 8 INCHES TO THE RIGHT OF THE EMBLEM. *TR
THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO THE INVESTIGATION OF FORD FOR "LIMP MODE". EVERY TIME THAT I USE MY CARS CRUSE CONTROL UNDER 50 MPH THE CAR GOES IN TO LIMP MODE. AFTER I PULL OVER AND RESTART THE CAR IT RUN NORMALY, *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NONE OF THE WINDOWS WERE ABLE TO BE OPENED WHEN ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE FUSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. ...UPDATED 05/29/13 *BF
WE WAS DRIVE THE STREET DOING 30 MPH UNTIL WE CAME UNTIL A STOP LIGHT . WHEN THE LIGHT TURN GREEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO ACT LIKE IN DIDN'T WONT TO GO INTO GEAR . WHEN ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR A YEAR IN ONLY PUT ALMOST LESS THEN 9 TO 8 THOUSAND MILE ON IT. WHEN THE CAR FULL SERVICE EVERY TIME... DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ANY MORE. *TR
I WAS CLOSING THE UPPER DOOR ON THE BACK OF MY SUV WHEN THE RIGHT HINGE BROKE AND THE DOOR ALMOST DROPPED TO THE GROUND. I MANAGED TO WRESTLE IT BACK UP BUT THE HYDRAULIC SHOCK ON THE DOOR BROKE AND LEAKED FLUID ALL OVER THE CAR. I CANNOT GET IT BACK INTO THE WINDOW OPENING PROPERLY IT IS OPEN ABOUT AN INCH. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR IN CASE THE WINDOW FALLS OUT. *TR
AT ABOUT 65,000 MILES, MY TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLOWLY ACTING UP; IT VWAS DIFFICULT TO PUT INTO GEAR AND CLUNKS WHILE DRIVING. IT IS GETTING WORSE, AND FORD WILL NOT HELP WITH REPAIRS BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE JUST SHUT OFF. I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ONCE IT SHUT OFF, EXCEPT TO UTILIZE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO GET ME STOPPED. ONCE STOPPED, I PUT IT IN PARK AND IT STARTED UP FIRST TRY. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. SAME THING HAPPENS ON A REGULAR BASES. USUALLY HAPPENS WHILE BRAKING OR TURNING AT SPEEDS LOWER THAN 30MPH, THEN ENGINE JUST STALLS AND EVERYTHING TURNS OFF. THIS TO ME IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN, BECAUSE WITHOUT TOTAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND VEHICLE LIGHTING AT NIGHT, IT COULD SERIOUSLY INJURE OR KILL SOMEONE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND INVESTIGATING THIS FURTHER SO WE CAN ALL CONTINUE TO BE SAFE. THANKS! *TR
REAR BODY PANEL AROUND BACK WINDOW SPLIT
TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO SLIP AND ENGINE REVS ALSO WHEN PUT IN REVERSE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO JUMP. *TR
MY CAR WON'T SHIFT IN TO GEAR ANY MORE. *TR
GOING 55 MILES AN HOUR TRUCK SLIP OUT OF GEAR. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS SHE APPROACHED THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE HORIZONTAL PANEL UNDER THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPLACED FOR THE HORIZONTAL PANEL AND EMBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 21,652. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN EXCESSIVELY LONG FRACTURE IN THE REAR LIFTGATE NEAR THE MANUFACTURING EMBLEM BELOW THE REARVIEW WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
THE REAR PANEL CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE BODY PANEL WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BODY PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-35 MPH, A NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
WHILE DRIVING, THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING AND CAR STALLED. AT THE SAME TIME THE ABS LIGHT COMES OFF AND ON. *TR
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 2 OR 3 DAYS UNDER THE CARPORT IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE BACK PANEL UNDER THE WINDOW CRACKED FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH AROUND A CURVE AND OVER A POTHOLE, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN JERKING AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER FIVE TIMES WHILE THE DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TO COMPLETE THE TURN. THE CONTACT WAS A REAR PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SEAT BELTS FAILED TO SECURE THE PASSENGER'S PROPERLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S HEAD WAS THROWN THROUGH THE WINDOW AND STUCK THE GROUND EACH TIME THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER ON THE ROOF. THE CONTACT AND ONE OTHER PASSENGER WERE INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE WHEN HE APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ROLLED AWAY. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE SLACK ADJUSTER ON THE SECOND AXLE WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 415,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR UNIT WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
THE REAR WINDOW HINGE PIN (PASSENGER SIDE) HAS CORRODED AND BROKEN ALLOWING THE WINDOW TO FALL OFF OF THE REAR TAIL GATE. I NOTICED THE BROKEN HINGE BEFORE USING THE LIFT GATE WHICH HAS PREVENTED IT FROM FALLING OFF THUS FAR. I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE AND FORD WILL NOT OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE HATCHBACK HINGE WAS CORRODED AND CRACKED, CAUSING THE GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V442000 (RECASTRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
THERE IS A CRACK TO THE LEFT OF THE FORD ISIGNIA ON THE REAR LIFT TAIL GATE. THE CRACK RUNS FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR PANEL JUST BELOW THE REAR WINDOW TO THE BOTTOM OF THAT PANEL. THE PANEL IS THE TOP HALF OF THE LIFT GATE WHERE THE GATE OPENS TO ENTER ITEMS WITHOUT OPENING THE ENTIRE TAIL GATE. I UNDERSTAND FROM OTHER FORD EXPLORER OWNERS THAT THIS CAN CAUSE THE REAR WINDOW TO BLOW OUT BECAUSE THE PANEL IS NO LONGER SECURE DUE TO THE CRACK. OBI# 10487645 *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR HATCHBACK WINDOW PANEL WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 92,000.
FIRST ISSUE WAS WITH THE SOLENOIDS NOW THE ISSUE IS WITH 1-2 SHIFT RATIO. SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PANEL ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE REAR LIFT GATE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
ON APRIL 6TH OF THIS YEAR I PURCHASED A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK THE CAR FOR CITY INSPECTION...IT PASSED. THE VERY NEXT DAY (SUNDAY) THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE ABS LIGHT WOULD ALSO ILLUMINATE. I TOOK THE CAR TO AUTOZONE TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED (EGR VALVE). ONLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COULD BE DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AT RANDOM WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER THE 1000 MILE WARRANTY SO THE EGR VALVE WAS REPLACED AND A SPEED SENSOR BELIEVED TO BE THE PROBLEM WITH THE ABS LIGHT. I PURCHASED AN INDEPENDENT EXTENDED WARRANTY SO I WOULD BE COVERED FOR ANY SURPRISE EXPENSES. I HAD MY CHANCE TO USE IT IN JUST A FEW MONTHS LATER WHEN THE CAR RAN HOT. THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED. THIS HAPPENED IN JULY, JUST A FEW MONTHS AFTER BUYING THE CAR. EARLIER THIS MONTH (NOVEMBER 2012) THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN BUT IT DIDN'T STAY ON SO I COULDN'T GET IT DIAGNOSED. NO NEED TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON TOO. I TOOK IT TO AUTOZONE ONCE AGAIN AND THE BATTERY TESTED BAD. IT WOULDN'T START AT THE STORE. I BOUGHT THE BATTERY, IT WAS INSTALLED AND CHECKED AGAIN. THE ALTERNATOR SHOWED IT WASN'T CHARGING. I HAD TO HAVE THE ALTERNATOR REPLACED. WITH THE COLD WEATHER, I DISCOVERED THE DEFROST VENTS DON'T WORK. AIR ONLY BLOWS FROM FRONT VENTS. ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 19TH, I WAS TAKING MY SON TO SCHOOL AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. IT HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK ON NOVEMBER 21ST. SO NOW I SUP
NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Full record for the 2004 Ford Explorer → · Every Explorer year → · How the figures are calculated →